Talks between the leaders of the Fire Brigades Union and deputy prime minister John Prescott were today adjourned without reaching an agreement to avert next week's planned firefighters' strike.

Andy Gilchrist, the leader of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), emerged from this afternoon's three-hour talks at Whitehall saying he had had "very civil and very constructive" discussions with Mr Prescott.

It appeared that no breakthrough had been made in the firefighters' pay dispute, although Mr Gilchrist said that both sides were trying to avoid the national strike scheduled for next Tuesday.

"It was made clear by John Prescott that if we need to come back that is not a problem ... although we have no plans to do so", Mr Gilchrist added. He is now expected to report back on the discussions to his executive council.

The prime minister later issued a fresh plea to the firefighters' leaders to negotiate instead of striking.

Mr Blair, attending an EU summit in Brussels, insisted that any settlement of the pay dispute had to be on the basis of an independent review.

"Our desire is to make sure the dispute is resolved. It is not in the interests of the public: it is not in the interests of the firefighters themselves.

"But it has to be on the basis that if we are considering a new formula for the firefighters, that is the outcome and product of the independent review and I hope very much that they will come round to that position."

The FBU is in a deadlock with the government over its 40% pay demand and time is now running out to reach a deal and avert the series of strikes due to start next week.

Sources close to the talks said the atmosphere remained positive but there was a long way to go before the deadlock was broken.

The union is seeking a 40% pay rise after rejecting an offer of 4% while an independent inquiry examines fire service pay.

Mr Gilchrist arrived today with the union's president, Ruth Winters, and assistant general secretary Mike Fordham. He spent two hours with Mr Prescott yesterday and emerged to say there had been a "constructive dialogue" but that further talks would be needed.

Mr Prescott has made no comment about the talks but it is understood he is discussing the union's pay claim with Mr Gilchrist and making it clear that the government believes the dispute will be resolved through the independent inquiry.

Local authority employers were standing by waiting for any developments in the talks, although they have also been pressing the FBU to end its boycott of the inquiry, which is being chaired by Sir George Bain.

Employers' officials have urged the union to suspend strikes until the inquiry reports in mid-December to give a breathing space.

Sir George has insisted he will not be rushed into bringing forward his findings but there has been speculation that an interim report could be possible.

The 19 members of the FBU's executive had been put on standby to meet last night to discuss the outcome of the talks, but the meeting was put off until today when it became apparent that further discussions were possible. They will have to ratify any deal to call off strikes.

Hopes were this morning rising that the deadlock in the bitter dispute can be broken. Behind-the-scenes moves have been held over the past 24 hours and there appears to be renewed optimism that the industrial action can at least be postponed.

The first strike, due to start next Tuesday morning, would see aged military Green Goddess vehicles on Britain's streets for the first time in 25 years.